Explore Park Ambassador

About the Role

Park Ambassadors perform responsible customer service and operational support work to enhance visitors' experiences at Explore Park. They serve as front-line representatives for the park, engaging with customers on park amenities, trails, attractions, programs, events, and policies. The position reports to the Business Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and provide a welcoming first impression of Explore Park while delivering excellent customer service to guests of all ages.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Explore Park amenities, attractions, trails, programs, events, and services and provide accurate information and wayfinding assistance to visitors.
• Provide operational support for park events, group visits, programs, and rentals, including assisting with setup, logistics, and breakdown of tents, tables, chairs, and equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and welcoming visitor service areas, including light cleaning and restocking of retail merchandise and operational supplies.
• Assist customers with reservations and registrations for park attractions, lodging, programs, events, and other visitor services.
• Process ticket sales, admissions, reservations, and retail merchandise transactions using point-of-sale (POS) systems while accurately handling cash, credit card, and electronic payments.
• Check in guests for park attractions and programs; distribute tickets, passes, or other materials as needed.
• Assist customers in resolving questions, concerns, or service issues and refer complex matters to appropriate supervisors or staff.
• Monitor public areas and facilities to promote a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment; report maintenance, safety, or operational concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Assist with crowd management and visitor flow during busy periods, special events, festivals, and peak visitation times.
• Assist with inventory control and organization of retail merchandise, artisan wares, and operational supplies.
• Perform administrative support tasks such as data entry, recordkeeping, opening and closing procedures, and enforcing park policies and safety guidelines as needed.
• Gather visitor feedback through surveys or informal interactions to support continuous improvement of park programs and services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or equivalent (required).
• One (1) to two (2) years of customer service experience in retail, hospitality, recreation, tourism, or a related field (required).
• Basic computer skills and experience with POS or ticketing systems (preferred).
• Three (3) or more years of customer service experience in a public-facing environment (preferred).
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License with a good driving record (required).

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to act as a positive ambassador for Roanoke County and Explore Park by providing helpful information and promoting park attractions, programs, and amenities.
• Ability to quickly learn and retain knowledge of Explore Park amenities, attractions, trails, programs, and services.
• Strong ability to work directly with the public in a professional and friendly manner.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and manage multiple customer requests while maintaining professionalism in a fast-paced, high-volume visitor environment.
• Ability to interpret and explain County policies and procedures when addressing customer inquiries and concerns.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with visitors of all ages.
• Ability to respond calmly and professionally to customer concerns or complaints.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, coworkers, program participants, vendors, and the public.
• Good knowledge of office terminology, procedures, equipment, and technology.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established procedures.
• Ability to take initiative and complete tasks efficiently.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other computer software applications.
• Ability to operate point-of-sale systems and basic computer software.
• Ability to handle cash transactions accurately and responsibly.
• Ability to adhere to park uniform standards.

Schedule

Weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some evenings. Hours required: 20-29 hours per week.

Additional Requirements

• Subject to a complete criminal history and child protective services background search with acceptable results.
• May be subject to DMV driving record review as required by work-related driving responsibilities.
• Must be able to perform the job as described in the physical and environmental demands section of this job description.